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The Pride of Britain Awards ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ 2019

Multiple Guinness World Record holder, serial Adventurer & Fundraiser Jamie McDonald is renowned for being one of the most talented motivational speakers in the world.

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Last week, I received some pretty special news. I had been nominated for the Pride of Britain Awards ‘Fundraiser of the Year’. I was told that I was in the top 3 of finalists in the West – (I know, ridiculous and) WOW!

I grew up watching the awards and I can’t think of a better award on the planet to receive – so I was chuffed to bits just to be nominated. Elie Barker from ITV West Country came out to film me and to share my story as a finalist. She told me I had been nominated by a lot of people – which blows me away! So, if you are reading this and you are one of those people, then from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Here is the video of my interview with Ellie, chatting about my nomination, which includes me breaking the world record on the treadmill. I get a bit tearful when I talk about what kept me going! Here’s the video:

Not long after this happened, I then had a phone call from my friend Rich Leigh on Thursday (3rd October) asking if I could go a be a motivational speaker at my old primary school, St Peters Primary – they wanted me to go on the Friday (the next day!). Rich said to me, ‘there is a surprise for you, I promise you will like it!’

As a motivational speaker I normally have way more time to prepare for a talk, but to do this one I only had 11 hours notice! No big deal.

Arriving at my old school the next day was really surreal – looking at the tables, chairs, it was like being in the movie Honey I Shrunk the Kids, everything looked so tiny! Mrs Carol Baron, the headteacher, was there to greet me warmly and she made me feel really welcome – she was actually part of the surprise. She had managed to get the talk organised AND got nearly 500 kids and teachers to dress up as superheroes!

During the talk, we had all the kids up and running on the spot, it’s something I love to do as it shows just how happy movement makes people – this was when ITV presenter Katie Rowlett appeared with cameraman Jamie, to present to me the Pride of Britain Award, that read – ‘2019 Pride of Britain Winner West Country’.

As you will see from the video, it was a really special surprise, and it couldn’t have happened in a more perfect place, surrounded by so many excited kids. Here’s the video of the surprise:

So, I’m super excited to share that on 28th October I am heading to London for the final of Pride of Britain. I know I will be surrounded there by a lot of really special people and plenty of celebs, maybe even Simon Cowell (fingers crossed we can get him donating ?!).

But for now – thank you SO MUCH for all the support. I may have been the one receiving the award, but this is really down to every single person who donated and supported me and fueled my soul to keep going – we made this happen – and we continue to make a difference, together.

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